A camera can do more than just take photos
For every big-budget AAA game that gets released, it seems that there’s often a handful of high-quality independent games to match it. Something We Made’s “Toem” (2021) is an example of this event.
While not having a budget and world size on par with major games that released the same month, such as “Deathloop” and “Lost Judgment,” “Toem” still provided a compact, memorable and awfully enjoyable experience that could be completed by most people the same day they start it.
“Toem” is a short journey that takes you from your home to the top of a mountain and along the way you get to meet (and sometimes help) many interesting looking characters who are simply going about their day. You’ll use your camera to set up shots and solve puzzles as you collect enough stamps to be able to take the bus to your next destination.
There are six destinations that you’ll visit on your trip to witness Toem, and each one (with the exception of the final one) takes you to unique locations with different photo opportunities. The overall tone for the world and it’s writing creates a light-hearted atmosphere that lets you approach the puzzles and exploration at your own pace.
Despite completing the game in almost one sitting, I never felt like the game was rushing me to complete something or go somewhere. Puzzles that I would’ve expected to be timed in other games didn’t have that worry and there was nothing that posed a threat to the protagonist.
For being a game that is (almost) completely shown in black and white, there’s still a lot of color in its world. The maps have sections designed like individual rooms with set pieces that sometimes have puzzles that make you travel between the spaces. It’s easy to remember the layout of a map even after spending a little bit of time there and what helps with that are the characters and their silly dialogue.
“Toem” is a wonderful game and it doesn’t overstay its welcome during its approximately five hour playtime (probably closer to four hours if you’re not doing everything). It’s not an expensive game and it’s not very demanding for most devices so I wholeheartedly recommend this game to anyone looking for a short and relaxing experience.